UK club releases Puara but door ajar

PAPUA New Guinea hooker Wartovo Puara Jr will not return to the United Kingdom (UK) to complete his deal with second-tier rugby league side Barrow Raiders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Barrow had signed the former SP Hunter for two years from last year, but yesterday announced the 30-year-old’s exit from the UK club.
“Given the pandemic, Puara returned to PNG in March and we opened discussions around his return during the summer,” Barrow said in a statement.
“Given the uncertainty of the situation, Puara was unable to commit to 2021.
“But the door is very much ajar and we hope to secure his return for 2022 as well as seeing him in the UK representing PNG in next year’s World Cup.
“Wartovo has been a tremendous ambassador for his country and his infectious enthusiasm has made him an honorary Barrovian. His work in the schools and the community programme was instrumental in us winning our Love Barrow award and we would love to see him return when the time is right.”
Barrow thanked Rabaul Gurias rake Puara, who played 108 games for the Hunters between 2014 and 2018, for his contribution to the club.